Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)

quick review:

A decent enough plot butchered by filmi-ness viz, dialogue-baazi,  overt style, romantic track, songs and so on.

Read more
Director: A R Murugadoss
Running time: 160 minutes
More Movie Info

Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty - Preview

Every time an Akshay Kumar movie is announced, I find myself questioning the purpose of existence. Of the film, of course, but also of my existence in the theater. It is not because I don't like the man or his performances. After years of having watched films in mainstream Hindi cinema, I have learnt that there is always hope. You can never tell when an actor will spring in a surprise. In fact, I thrive for those times. But, as you see Holiday, you know it is just going to be the same ol', same ol'.

It's just that it might be a combination of two same ol's. The first of the trailer indicates that it will be like the other Akshay Kumar comedies and the second half points to his action films. The premise might be that of a soldier and how he is never off duty, but doesn't look like the content is going to be too different.

Right from the music, the choreography, even the lead lady all feel like a repeat. Not to mention, there will be dialogue that will be repeated for "impact". That the film is directed by the director of Ghajini makes me believe that we will have a more than full dose of melodrama and overt style too.

What then makes me go to the theater? Hope. Thin and a sliver, it may be, but hope there always is.

Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "1.5/5"
Milliblog - "Pritam’s winsome sound beats the Tamil original’s music hollow!"
Music Aloud - "7.5/10"

- meeta, a part of the audience

After the initial "let's get your attention, so you are in your seat" romantic track, Holiday surprises you with a decent, thickening plot between an army officer and terrorists. But, as it goes with this genre in Hindi, there are way too many plot holes. And even if you ignore them, there are too many side-tracks in the form of songs and sub-plots to take the film seriously.

You have a lead lady (Sonakshi Sinha) who can box, pole vault, play rugby, run, do karate while the lead actor woos her. In the one song that focuses on her as a character, the main point seems to be Akshay Kumar's dance moves. Come to think of it, I don't think any song has her even lip-syncing. Looks like comic relief ain't enough no more, you need romantic relief. Speaking of which, Govinda is such a misfit and/or waste as comic relief here.

These come across as fillers with the intention of selling a product that you are not confident about. Add to the mix, desperate stylisation of the hero and dialogue that doesn't belong. Which is such a shame because despite the gaps in logic and logistics the plot is not half bad.

Akshay Kumar fans then might find some respite in the Akshay Kumar-ness of the film. While I have no clue exactly what such a fan looks for, I'd say the actions scenes are cool while they last, though there aren't way too many of them. Hope that helps.

On the other hand though, there is hardly any challenge for him from the other side. Both, the villain character and actor are just too dull to make you want to root one way or the other.

Thematically too, Holiday tends to get into the preachy zone, almost reprimanding you for not appreciating the efforts of soldiers at the border.

Yet, I'd call my 3 hours in the movie hall a success, considering it is nowhere bad to what I expected it to be. Do I give a film extra points for that? Naah. It is just what it is. A casual TV watch if you chance upon it.

- meeta, a part of the audience

32 reviewers(?) - 7 yays 17 so-so 8 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...HOLIDAY - A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY is a slick action-thriller that keeps you engrossed, enthralled and captivated all through, thanks to its fascinating premise and a watertight, razor-sharp screenplay. Go for it! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Like most Indian masala movies, Holiday tastes best with a generous few pinches of salt. Akshay Kumar’s face looks too old to be a young army captain. But the way he jumps over cars and navigates down building faces is a feat even the fittest 20-year-olds can only dream of. He is the soul of this film. He makes it fun. He gives you your money’s worth. End of the day, that’s all that matters.... full review

Thumbs up, by Jyoti Sharma Bawa, Hindustan Times : ...However, despite these minor cribs, Holiday makes for a satisfying watch and will keep the audience coming. A summer hit is on its way! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-saha, MiD DAY : ...The other good thing about this film is that the negative characters are not the stereotypical ugh looking ones but smart, suave ones. Freddy Daruwala matches shoulder to shoulder and bicep to bicep with Akshay Kumar and their hand-to-hand combat on the deck of a ship is worth a whistle or two. The always dependable Govinda gives us comic relief as well. Watch this one. It’s total paisa vasool... full review

Thumbs up, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...Just like Jack Bauer's 24 series that never lets it pace down, even Akshay Kumar's Holiday ensures that you are on the edge of the seat right through its playing time. Highly recommended!... full review

Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Well, this movie has lots of dum for all good masala movie lovers. Its not a brainless comedy or an action film, but has intellectual thriller attached to it. It's one of the best masala entertainers from recent times and also from Akshay Kumar. Barring the length and few weak moments 'Holiday' is refreshingly engaging.... full review

Thumbs up, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...This one applauds the jawans who live in the jaws of death, and is a 'wake up' call for all the 'sleepers' that abound. Bravo! ... full review

So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are not peopled by saints, but they remain institutions this country can be proud of. They deserve better than this immature tribute.... full review

So-So, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty is not for the connoisseurs. It’s a typical masala fare with songs, a romantic track, fights, explosions, shootouts to make for an engrossing watch. ... full review

So-So, by Rukmini Chopra , Bollywood Life : ...Watch it for Akshay and his amazing ability to make even the unreal stuff look real!... full review

So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ... It’s Akshay Kumar’s show and he delivers with smooth professionalism. Holiday redeems itself by glorifying the Army without the usual chest-thumping melodrama that usually accompanies movie patriotism. ... full review

So-So, Daily Bhaskar : ...Despite endless loopholes, you can’t completely write-off Holiday. It is watchable despite its long duration and forced romantic scenes. However, if you are not a Akshay Kumar fans, we would suggest you to avoid it. ... full review

So-So, by Mehul S Thakkar, Deccan Chronicle : ...The unpredictable treatment of the storyline keeps you hooked. While going for the Holiday, you might want to take it again.... full review

So-So, by Nikhil Arora, Desi Martini : ... Holiday - This Movie Is Off Story ... full review

So-So, by Sarita Tanwar, DNA : ... Watch this as a thank you to the army fellas. ... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Music is passable, cinematography is colourful, editing is a bit slack and performances, a little too straight to be completely convincing. This is a film that could easily attract an audience starved for a big ticket exercise. And why not?... full review

So-So, by Nupur Barua, fullhyd.com : ...Holiday is a masala entertainer with a message, and definitely worth a watch. However, if you want the real deal (besides Akshay Kumar), we suggest you watch Thuppakki - it has a better screenplay, to begin with. ... full review

So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...For Sonakshi Sinha, this is another 'walk-in-the-park' kind of role, which she has perfected. For Akshay Kumar fans, this is a must-see movie. It will not only entertain, but will also help you spare a moment in prayer for the ones fighting on the borders of our country; our real heroes. ... full review

So-So, Indicine : ...Due to the lack of high voltage promotions, Holiday will take an average opening at best. But due to the lack of competition and the favourable release period, Holiday might turn out to be a decent grosser.... full review

So-So, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Holiday is mostly a delectable film. With Akshay’s superfluous action sequences beguiling you to watch a film which isn’t even close to as brainy as it seems, I will still recommend you to watch it for the lump sum enjoyment it delivers. It isn’t a great film but surprisingly winsome and not entirely forgettable. Quite the value for the buck! I ... full review

So-So, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Now Running.com : ...The bottom-line is if you have watched Thuppakki you might not find this remake anything to be excited about. But if you have not, Holiday A Soldier is Never Off Duty is a fair watch. Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, there are at least a couple of scenes which will leave you pleased.... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Holiday is a remake of Murugadoss’s 2012 Tamil hit Thuppakki, which I hear was fairly watchable. What happened then? Did Murugadoss try to Bollywoodise the perfectly fine story? Reminds one of that phrase—“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ ... full review

So-So, by Moumita Bhattacharjee, Star Blockbuster : ...Go on this Holiday trip…it is entertaining, engaging and is action packed. The right mix for this weekend! ... full review

So-So, by Aparna Mudi, Zee News : ...The movie is all about Akshay Kumar. He is the strong, sexy, patriotic army officer who can sing, dance, fight, has a sense of humour. Everything rolled into one. He single handedly finds the head of a terrorist outfits merely based on speculations and interrogation of two people. He even takes them down on his own. If you are a fan of the `Khiladi` of Bollywood, go ahead!... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...In other words, the star’s image had a lot to do with our perception of Thuppakki, and without that particular star, the film’s flaws stand out in sharp relief. Akshay Kumar is a good action hero, a good comedian, probably better than Vijay in both these departments, but he doesn’t have what Vijay has, a unique image – he’s a rather generic presence in his films. When he does the “mass moment” scenes, they don’t send a frisson through us, the way they would when these moments are enacted by popular stars with a strong image. He cannot carry a bad film. His films are good if the writing/directing is good, and here, these aspects are far from satisfactory. Holiday, like Thuppakki, is too long. The romantic track (with Sonakshi Sinha) is too bland, too sexist, too redundant. The emotional beats are weak – we aren’t invested enough in the characters to chew our nails over their fate. Murugadoss told me, in an interview recently, that in his remakes (like Ghajini) he fixes the problems in the original film. Didn’t he think these were problems? Or is the real problem the fact that there’s no Aamir Khan this time around?... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Plus it once again gave me the thought that what kind of creative satisfaction a director gets by directing the same film again, frame to frame in a different language repeatedly?... full review

Thumbs down, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...An illogical plot mars what could have been a taut thriller about cops v's terrorists.... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Akshay Kumar livens up the proceedings now and then, but a lot of it is just thookpatti in this Thuppaki remake. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Khilnani, india today : ...If the biggest strength of Holiday is Akshay Kumar, then it's safe to say that the biggest weakness is its running time of almost three hours. Watch it if you are a die-hard fan of Akshay Kumar and if you have that kind of time!... full review

Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Almost as an after-thought, Govinda shows up in a large-ish cameo, looking most ill-at-ease and out of place. What is he doing in a film like this? When will the South ‘masala’ remake find a decent burial? It is long past its sell-by date.... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Akshay strives hard to make the most of a bad deal. He wins a battle or two, but loses the war. That, in a nutshell, is the story of the film as a whole... full review

Thumbs down, by SUDHISH KAMATH, The Hindu : ...If there is any justice left in this world — or a God — this is the kind of pop culture terrorism that should rightfully bomb.... full review

27 tweeters(?) - 24 yays 2 so-so 1 nays

Vimeesha: Must watch #holiday a soldier is never off duty..

termend: HOLIDAY : A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY A superior class bollywood masala thriller with tidbits of emotion ...must watch fr dis weeeknd.

shubhams267: HOLIDAY- A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY. What a reality in the movie. Just saw and ask each of you to watch. #Respect_Aki #Respect_IndianArmy

shubhambhattad: Comedy+Thriller+Action+Romance= HOLIDAY: A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY..........Just a Gr8 film from Akshay Kumar n... https://www.facebook.com/sssssStay/posts/517821931654968

SalmansSoldier: #Holiday a soldier is never off duty nice movie #SalmanOnMissionSapne

Sallu4264: #holiday a soldier is never off duty. masterpiece by ar murgados. #paisavasool

saheemnet: Today I watched The Indian Movie Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty and it was so amazing story and specially... https://www.facebook.com/saheemnet/posts/10203863391206534

sachink61900244: Watched "Holiday-a soldier is never off duty".wonderful movie.I think it deserves tax-exemption.

ravikalra0: Loved the movie Holiday- a soldier is never off duty! Akshay Kumar is superb in a action role! Sonakshi's track is boring! Rating 4/5

RaghavAbhay: Guys do urself a favour and go watch #Holiday A Soldier Is Never Off Duty this Sunday, this movie wil not disappoint u.

priyaadivarekar: Final word: Go & watch Holiday: A soldier is never off duty! The parting scene is mixed with emotions. Salute to the Indian army. Jai Hind!

neerajgupta19: #HOLIDAY - A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY is a slick action-thriller that keeps you engrossed, Go for it !!!@utpalacharya @rampagepictures

navneetntsharma: Watched movie 'Holiday: A soldier Is Never Off Duty ',@akshaykumar 's one of the best movies ever...MUST WATCH ***** :)

MukeshAdvani: Dear, Divine & Respected Patriotic Hindustanis, #Holiday A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY is a must watch film !!!...@sonakshisinha

Loveheart_bird: People go watch #holiday a soldier is never off duty.It's a great movie.You will luv it.Akshay kumar and sonakshisinh sinha acting is great

JackFLaming: Movie Review - 'Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty' is a nice weekend treat http://weheartit.com/link/k2jeVQ

iShahbaaz15: Holiday A Soldier is Never Off Duty An #amazing #movie combined with #excellent #twist & #turns & tickles your... https://www.facebook.com/FreakyLounge/posts/306854232823589

hetuharsh: # holiday.... A soldier is never off duty.... Nice move.....

Harjapx_x: Holiday-A soldier is never off duty film is absolutely brilliant. This film deserves an award!

Bruce_Xaviers: #Holiday : A Soldier is Never Off Duty (U/A) Hindi/Action Duration:2hrs & 51 mins My Rating for this Movie is :- #Awesome awesome awesome..

Bharatroyal: Movie of 2014 till date..... HOLIDAY 'a soldier is never off duty '...... (y)

ashvin_gill: Just watched #Holiday -A Soldier is never off duty ....I must say it is beyond Awesome ! A Must Watch Movie ☺ @akshaykumar @sonakshisinha

AkshayBawejaa: Marvellous action n emotions. Must WATCH - HOLIDAY , A soldier is never off duty......

achaube21: HOLIDAY ( a soldier is never off duty ) is a rocking movie. i'll give 4.5* to holiday. luv u @akshaykumar muhaaaaaaa :-):-):-):-):-):-)

shambhusinghaa: Movie review: Long duration and romance make Holiday slow: If you are a fan of hardcore masala films, then go ... http://t.co/TEEDuReEGd

IamPrathit: My Take On 'HOLIDAY : A Soldier Is Never Off Duty' - Works Partly, Comes Out As A Decent Watch! http://invariablyprathit.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-take-on-soldier-is-never-off-duty.html Pls check it pals!

LokeshP43172877: Watched "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty." The action sequences are good but the film is definitely not up to the mark!!

2 readers - 1 yays 0 so-so 1 nays

Not Interested in Watching, by moviebhakt

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Suman

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Dar : 0

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Lots. A little gruesome too.
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None really, a couple of near kisses?
  • Concept: how the army fights to keep us safe. Or Akshay Kumar saves the world...Mumbai, that is.
  • General Look and Feel: bright, sharp, loud

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Holiday - A Soldier Is Never Off Duty - Cast, crew, links

Official Sites:
Action Choreography:
Music Director:
Running time:
160 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (7)

Click here for new comment

If this film is a frame by frame remake of the original, Thuppakki - which it probably will be, because Murugadoss has directed both - then I can tell you that it is a story that had potential, but was written out and treated so moronically that I suffered from temporary brain damage. At least the Tamil film had Vidyut Jamwal as villain, and he has a magnetic screen presence. The villain of the Hindi remake seems like a softie in comparison.

@Pradeep Thank you! Now I am really looking forward to watching this :/

moviebhakt

@Pradeep Well, wiki confirms your assumption :)

The worst part in such films is the absence of real actors who can play villains... nowadays the villains also are the same as the heroes, well groomed non-actors... the hunks with powerful family backing gets to be the hero... rest become villains...

@Jitadiya sad, i know.

Dar

Terrible. Filmmakers treat audience as shit. Ceep jokes, terrible cinematography, direction, screenplay.
Waste of time. Shame.

Suman

Direction: 2
Story: 2.5
Lead Actors: 2
Character Artists: 2

Dialogues: 2
Screenplay: 2
Music Director: 0.5
Lyrics: 0.5

Leave a Comment